Historical Facts: The 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 SDL Turbodiesel
- The SDL is one of the rarest models for a classic Mercedes with only 5,509 made (See, http://500sec.com/modern-classics-the-mercedes-benz-s-class-of-the-w-126-series-1979-1991/.)
- Produced exclusively for export to the US
- “The last of the executive cars.”
- The "S" refers to Sonderklasse which is German for S-Klasse or “special class.”
- The “D” is for turbocharged diesel
- The “L” is for “long” because of it’s serious legroom. It’s 11.5 inches longer than the 300SD. The lengthened version was a signature feature for the premium-segment
- Production came to an end in September 1987
- Many world leaders of the time were driven around in this car. Even today, many countries use this particular model for the transportation of heads of state
- Made and assembled entirely in Germany, and consists only of German made parts
Condition
- Clean CarFax report
- Immaculate condition
- A nearly perfect 1987, 300 SDL
- The gray exterior is as clean as can be and flows flawlessly into a gray leather interior
- No dents
- Carpet like new
- No missing parts
- Very smooth, quiet ride
- Engine is very clean and powerful
- 273,000 miles
- Truly a rare find and an amazing collector vehicle especially in this condition
Features
- 4-Door, 4-speed, 6-cylinder, 3.0 L
- Black tinted glass
- Fuel Injected Turbocharged diesel
- 10 seconds to 60 MPH
- Serious legroom, 11.5 inches longer than the 300SD
- Fuel Economy: 20 MPG city, 21MPG highway.
- New battery and tune-up
- Front Air Conditioning - Automatic Climate Control
- Steering Wheel Trim - Leather
- Memorized Settings - Driver Seat
- Memorized Settings - Passenger Seat
- Power Steering
- Steering Wheel - Power Telescopic
- Abs - 4-Wheel
- Gauge - Tachometer
- Antenna Type - Power
- Cassette
- Radio - Am/Fm
- Front Fog Lights
- Wheel Diameter - 15 Inch
- Wheels - Alloy
- Window Defogger - Rear
- Power Windows
- Anti-Theft System - Alarm
- Front Airbags - Driver Side
- Power Door Locks
- Driver Seat Power Adjustments
- Front Seat Type - Bucket
- Passenger Seat Power Adjustments
The S-Class: A brief history
Mercedes-Benz has been offering diesel engines as an option on its cars since it introduced the world’s first production diesel passenger car, the 1936 260D. Yet none combined durability and luxury in the manner of the 1980s diesel S-Class. (https://autoweek.com/article/car-news/1987-mercedes-benz-300sdl-merc-diesel-was-top-class.)
“In late 1978, in the Daimler-Benz assembly plant in Sindelfingen, West Germany, separate production facilities were set up for the new S-Class. Fuel shortages of the era had caused Mercedes to rethink its big cars, so the new W126 chassis weighed less and carried a more aerodynamic body, with a drag coefficient of just 0.36. Although the rest of the automotive industry was using mostly conventional mild steel throughout its bodies, Mercedes engineers chose high-strength steel for most of the floor pan and the side members of the car. This type of steel was developed about 10 years earlier for applications in the construction industry and high-pressure pipelines. Because it was stronger, it could be formed thinner and thus lighten the body structure.” (https://autoweek.com/article/car-news/1987-mercedes-benz-300sdl-merc-diesel-was-top-class.)
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class, formerly known as Sonderklasse, is German for "special class", abbreviated as "S-Klasse". In automotive terms, Sonderklasse refers to "a specially outfitted car." The S-Class is a series of full-sized luxury flagship vehicles. The S-Class is considered by many to be the world’s best car. The S-Class is a designation for the top-of-the-line Mercedes-Benz models that were officially introduced in 1972 with the W116, and has remained in use ever since. (See generally, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercedes-Benz_S-Class.)
Notable Quotes
Article: “Modern classics: the Mercedes-Benz S-Class of the W 126 series (1979 – 1991)”:
- “The Mercedes-Benz S-Class widely considered the best car in the world.”
- “One of the most successful premium-class series in the history of the company.”
- “The W 126 series was a perfect concept down to the last detail.”
- “Virtually every part is still available today through the Mercedes-Benz service organization.”
- “The S-Class from the W126 series a truly sought-after classic.”
- “It was the first time that a Mercedes-Benz passenger car had no bumper bars in the classic sense, but instead generously proportioned, plastic-coated bumpers integrated seamlessly into the front and rear aprons.”
- “Moreover, the body was designed in line with the latest findings in safety research.”
http://500sec.com/modern-classics-the-mercedes-benz-s-class-of-the-w-126-series-1979-1991/
Article: “History of the W126 (If you own a W126, READ THIS)”
- “This S-class is the last Mercedes-Benz that looked like a Mercedes-Benz.”
- “Mercedes-Benz has since struggled to produce a premium model with the same impact and universal appeal as the W126.”
- “They were usually purchased by wealthy first owners.”
https://www.benzworld.org/forums/w126-s-se-sec-sel-sd/1214983-history-w126-if-you-own-w126.html
Article: ParksGeek.com
- “a fantastically reliable and fun car.”
- “can easily clock a half a million miles.”
- “a sleeker look than that of previous S-Class series Mercedes Benz luxury cars.”
- “a great deal of power that is supplied by its 3.0L, straight-6 diesel engine.”
https://www.partsgeek.com/models/300sdl/mercedes.html
Turbocharged Engine
“In the 1980's, turbo was king. It didn't matter if your car was a racer or a dawdling. As long as it wore a "Turbo" badge, you and everyone else would think your car was quick because turbo meant speed. The issue was the time it took you to get up to speed. For the Mercedes' 300SDL, it was 10 seconds to 60 MPH. For a 3,800 pound diesel, that was pretty fast. Especially in the eighties.” (https://www.partsgeek.com/models/300sdl/mercedes.html.)
A 3.0-liter, inline-5-cylinder turbo diesel was offered in North America from 1981–1985. The diesel S-Class was changed very little until the 1986 model year when the 300SD became the 300SDL. Here are some notable differences between the 300SD and the 300SDL:
- 6 Cylinders. The 300SD has 5-cylinder engine which was replaced with the 300SDL’s new 3.5-litre 6-cylinder engine that had been developed by increasing the bore and stroke of the tried-and-tested 3.0-litre unit.
- Increased Horsepower. The new engine had 148 hp compared to 125 hp of the previous 300SD model. This motor made 148 hp at 4600 rpm and 201 lb-ft of torque at 2400 rpm.
- Extra Long-Wheelbase and Interior. The “L” in SDL stands for “long.” The 300SDL model is 11.5 inches longer than the 300SD. The 300SDL had a 121.1-inch wheelbase, giving the 208.2-inch-long sedan some serious rear legroom. The 300SD has a 115.6-inch wheelbase with an overall length of 196.7 inches. The long wheelbase makes for a back seat big enough to convene a Weight Watchers meeting in. (https://www.benzworld.org/forums/731024-post3.html.)
The W126 line featured improved aerodynamics and enlarged aluminum engine blocks
Awards
In 1987, 1988, 1989, and 1990, with the W126 S-Class leading its sales, Mercedes-Benz received the highest customer ratings in the J.D. Power Sales Satisfaction Index. (Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercedes-Benz_W126#cite_note-20,
Collection of Hyperlinks
- W126 History. https://www.benzworld.org/forums/w126-s-se-sec-sel-sd/1214983-history-w126-if-you-own-w126.html history, and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercedes-Benz_W126
- The S-Class. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercedes-Benz_S-Class
- Engine. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercedes-Benz_OM603_engine
- Car Magazine. https://www.carmagazine.co.uk/features/car-culture/the-generation-game-six-eras-of-the-mercedes-s-class-driven/
- Autoweek. https://autoweek.com/article/car-news/1987-mercedes-benz-300sdl-merc-diesel-was-top-class.
